​'We are inching towards the festive season and the gradual increase in drunk driving is a concern. One of the incidents responded to by Metro Police on Friday October 16, is a hit and run complaint on the N2 when a car knocked into a truck and drove away. The officers managed to apprehend the driver still sitting behind the wheel and it was evident that he was under the influence of alcohol. It would explain why he thought he could crash into a truck and make a getaway. After the relevant sobriety test was done, the 54-year-old suspect was arrested for drunken driving and detained at Nyanga police station.
 
'Despite many warnings and pleas, drivers still take chances with their own lives and other road users. Officers have zero tolerance towards drunk drivers as the devastation they cause have a lifelong impact,' said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
 
In addition, the Metro Police Department also recorded the following:

• On Thursday October 15, the vigilance of CCTV operators monitoring Strijdom and Lower Long Street, Cape Town, paid off when a man with an imitation firearm was arrested. Operators saw the man in the middle of the road pointing a firearm up Long Street and the police were notified. Meanwhile, the operators followed the man on camera and as he entered a hotel, the police apprehended him. The 23 year old was arrested.
• During crime prevention patrols in Petunia Avenue, Strand, two suspects were arrested for the possession of drugs and a dangerous weapon. they were taken to Strand police station.
• Traffic Service officers arrested 64 suspects, impounded 117 vehicles, 137 Cell phones and issued 53 121 fines.

 
Included in their enforcement are several illegal street racing operations which were held in the Bellville, Athlone, Ottery, Camps Bay and Sea Point areas, where officers arrested 12 drivers and issued 186 fines for various other offences.
 
‘As the weather gets warmer, the beaches and our recreational facilities such as pools will draw hundreds if not thousands of visitors. All visitors are asked to obey the law and listen to officers and those in charge. Alcohol is not allowed at any of these amenities and it will be confiscated. Don't let a fun day out end in a drunk driving violation or worse,' added Alderman Smith.
 
 
End